Meeting the Grands

Isaiah stared at the back of his right hand after he teleported to the inside of the shrine. The sigil marked on his skin was glowing with an ethereal red light. "That's neat," he murmured, still amazed at how he's able to use magic.

The walls were made of ancient stone, worn smooth by the passage of time and adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from long-forgotten legends. The light inside was dim and diffuse, filtering in through small, narrow windows high up on the walls.

As he walked down the main aisle, he could see a large sarcophagus at the far end of the mausoleum. The lid of this sarcophagus was made of pure gold and was decorated with an intricate depiction of a fierce warrior, holding a sword and shield.

Approaching the sarcophagus, he could see that the floor around it was made of polished marble and was inlaid with intricate patterns of gold and silver. The walls around it were adorned with frescoes and the ceiling was painted with a depiction of the night sky, complete with twinkling stars.

The whole mausoleum was a masterpiece of art and architecture, a fitting testament to the power and prestige of the Mage's Association.

"Arise, Grand Assassin," Isaiah commanded.

The sarcophagus, a stone coffin-like structure, slowly opened with a grinding sound. A blue smoke emerged from the inside, swirling and rising in the air. As the smoke cleared, a figure appeared.

This was Hassan-i Sabbah, The Old Man of the Mountain, and the Grand Assassin of Chaldea. He stood tall, his presence commanding and his armor gleaming in the dim light of the mausoleum.

His outfit was intimidating, to say the least. The thick purple and black helmet with a skull-shaped visor hid his face behind it at almost all times. The armor was bulky, designed to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.

The cuirass was adorned with a skull design and eerie blue flames pouring out of the eyes, while the plackart was designed to represent the ribs of a skeleton. The faulds were large and durable, protecting his hips from damage, with a design that represented a skeletal hand wrapping around his waist.

His legs were covered in black and purple cuisses with glowing blue lines running through them, and he had spiked poleyns on his knees. The greaves that protected his shins were extremely durable, and his boots were covered in thick sabatons.

The shoulders were adorned with large, skull-shaped pauldrons, with inferno blue flames coming from the eye sockets. The rerebraces and vambraces were black and purple, with large spikes and blue lines running through them, and the gauntlets were purple with spikes.

In short, he was a formidable figure, and one not easily forgotten. The Grand Assassin's armor was a reflection of his power, and it was clear that he was a force to be reckoned with.

"I doth come forth at thy command to serve thee," Hassan spoke, bowing deeply while still holding onto Azrael, his blade.

"I'm gathering the Grand Servants to this location," Isaiah informed. "Apologies for the suddenness of this," he added, acknowledging that the summons may have been unexpected.

"I am but a humble servant, and I do not question thy wishes. If it be thy will that Master Ritsuka marks this as the location of attendance, then I shall comply without qualms," Hassan confirmed.

'Ah yes,' Isaiah mused to himself, 'To the NPCs, I'm known as Ritsuka and not by my real name.'

It was a small detail, but it was important to remember, especially when dealing with the NPCs, who seemed to behave in accordance with their flavor text. He made a mental note to refer to himself by the name Ritsuka when interacting with them.

'Yet another thing I need to get used to,' he thought to himself. "Hassan, could you please illuminate the room for us?" he requested.

"As thou commandest," he stepped forward, and with a swift motion, he drew his sword from its sheath. With a swift swing of his sword, walled torches were lit, emitting a blue light. The room was now illuminated with a soft blue light, giving it a mystical and ethereal feel.

'And now we wait'

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In the aftermath of the demi-human invasion, the troops of Chaldea set to work cleaning up the mess that had been left behind. The ground was littered with debris and the remains of the demi-humans that had been defeated in the battle.

The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the acrid scent of burnt flesh. The knights and soldiers worked tirelessly, clearing away the debris and tending to the wounded. The healers moved among the wounded, offering aid and comfort.

As for Artoria, she was about to make her way back to the throne room, her armor and cloak still surprisingly clean. But before she could take more than a few steps, she was met with another Servant.

"Ruler? Why are you not with Master?" she questioned.

"Master Ritsuka has deemed the situation dealt with, and thus he demands an audience with the Grand Servants in Grand Assassin's abode," Sherlock answered.

Artoria nods. "I see. Then I shall make haste to the Shrine of Azrael," she said, turning towards the direction of where the meeting would take place.

With Artoria making her way to the Shrine, Sherlock remained on the battlefield, his attention focused on the remains of one of the invaders. He knelt down beside the creature, his eyes scanning its body, taking in every detail.

"It would appear that our understanding of what's transpiring shall begin with thee," he said to himself, his voice low and contemplative.

"Wouldn't you agree?" he asked, turning his head to see the woman that had caught up with him.

She was a tall and slender woman, with delicate features and striking green eyes. Her long dark brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, and she carried herself with a certain grace and poise. She was dressed in a simple but elegant robe, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols.

"Master Ritsuka expects a detailed report on the invasion and the creatures that had attacked. Please work quickly and efficiently to gather all the information you can," Sherlock stated, directing his words towards the woman, Leonardo da Vinci - member of the Research Team.

Sherlock's request was met with a nod of understanding from da Vinci. She would carefully examine the remains in her custom lab, taking note of the creature's characteristics and possible weaknesses.

As Leonardo da Vinci worked, Sherlock cast the Message Spell which allowed him to communicate with the remaining Grand Servants and send them their orders, before heading to the Shrine himself.

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As Isaiah waited for everyone to arrive, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity. He had only known the dark and bleak environment of what was left of polluted Earth, and he had always longed to see something different.

So, he decided to take a look outside by exiting via the main entrance. While it was true that he was able to see some of the surroundings via the Mirror of Remote Viewing, he wished to see the real deal with his own eyes.

As he looked around, Isaiah couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the lush greenery and the clean fresh air. The sky was a deep shade of blue, and the sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything.

He had never seen anything like it before, and he couldn't believe that such a place existed. This was nothing like the world he had left behind, and he couldn't believe how lucky he was to have been transported to such a beautiful place.

Without any meaningful connections to his past life, the question of whether or not he should find a way to return home was an easy one to answer. Was he going to give up this beautiful new world for the disgusting and unjust world he had once called home? Only a fool would say yes.

Right there and then, Isaiah was excited to explore it because he knew that this new world was going to be a new beginning for not just him, but also all of Chaldea that was transported with him.

In the midst of his appreciation of the environment, he heard a faint sound behind him. He turned to see a portal appearing.

From the portal emerged a woman, dressed in ornate gold armor and a majestic purple cape. She stood at an average height, her fiery red eyes piercing and intense. Her beauty was magnified by her fair skin which seemed to glow in the light.

"Well, well," the woman said, her confident voice tinged with amusement. "It seems that the final Master has come to appreciate the finer things in life."

She sported a purple tattoo on each shoulder shaped like a flower. She was adorned in a dark purple garment that stopped just below her chest, revealing her abdomen. The garment was paired with loose red harem pants which showed off her legs from around her mid thighs, with holes at both sides to reveal her hips.

Blue wrappings were wrapped around her waist and hips, providing a sense of modesty. Similar wrappings could be found above her ankles and left wrist. She had a gem hanging off a chain which was attached to a veil on her head. She wore a golden gauntlet on her right hand and similar armor on her hips.

A gold choker wrapped around her neck, completing her regal appearance. To finish off her look, she wore vibrant purple shoes which also featured gold accents that went well with her little armory.

"Rightly so, Gilgamesh," Isaiah responded.

He couldn't help but wonder about Grand Caster's thoughts on the world, as he knew that her own throne room in Uruk, a fortress city located far north of Camelot, offered a clear view of the new world.

"What do you think of this world?" he asked.

The woman looked around once more, taking in the scenery. "It is... adequate," she asserted with a shrug. "It can be better, of course, but it will do."

The woman stepped closer to Isaiah, crossing her arms as she did so, while staring off to the horizon. "The true test," she said, her voice thoughtful, "will be the enemies we face here. Will they be worthy opponents or mere peons? Only time will tell."

Isaiah nodded in silent agreement. He was aware that her essence was intricately woven with her unshakable pride in being the King of Kings.

'No surprise there considering who created her.'

The creator of Gilgamesh was always boastful, constantly flaunting their wealth and power at every opportunity. The Grand Caster possessed the same self-assurance, a glint of it sparkling in her gaze.

"Very well," Isaiah spoke, pivoting towards the entrance of the sanctuary. Gilgamesh mirrored his movement. "Before we embark on this unknown journey, it would be wise for us to consult with the others and devise a plan for the future."

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As two of the Grand Servants were already present, Isaiah took his place at the center of the chamber. He stood tall, with a row of wall torches illuminating him from behind, casting a warm and inviting light over his features and bathing the room in a mesmerizing flicker.

Hassan and Gilgamesh stood before Isaiah, a respectable distance apart from both their Master and each other. Their faces were impassive, their expressions stoic, not engaging in any kind of small talk. This was not a sign of hostility between them, but rather a reflection of their singular focus on their Master's plans. They were eager to hear what he had in store for them.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber, signaling the arrival of Artoria. She entered with an air of regal grace, her armor and cloak shining with a mirror-like polish, her helmet held firmly under her arm.

Isaiah greeted her with a nod, "Welcome, Artoria."

"I apologize for any delay, Master," Artoria said, bowing her head respectfully. "I was making sure that the cleanup operations were in progress and the wounded were receiving proper care."

"No need for apologies," Isaiah responded with a kind smile. "Your devotion to the people of Chaldea is admirable."

As Artoria joined the semicircle forming around Isaiah, two more Servants made their entrance.

The first of the two was a vision of splendor, clad in golden armor that protected his torso, arms, and hips. A white cape, adorned with half a dozen tassels, flowed behind him as he marched forward. He held a striking dark blue and gold staff, its length towering over him, in one hand. His black hair was styled in short, spiky points, accentuating his sharp features.

"Greetings, creator and fellow Grand Servants. I, Ozymandias, have returned to once again show my radiant presence. I am honored to serve under the command of one who is worthy of my respect, such as yourself, Master Ritsuka."

Like Gilgamesh, who oversaw the fortress city of Uruk, Ozymandias stood guard over the Great Temple located west of Camelot. The temple too was a bustling hub of activity, with a thriving population of NPCs serving as civilians. They not only added to the rich tapestry of the game world, but they also contributed to Chaldea's in-game economy.

The one following Ozymandias gave a salute to Isaiah with a confident smile. He was a towering figure of muscle and might, dressed in a grand dark blue overcoat, adorned with gold buttons, tailored to fit his athletic frame. The overcoat flowed behind him like a regal cape, framing his strong jawline and determined expression.

"Greetings, Master Ritsuka. Napoleon Bonaparte, at your service. I am ready to create new legends and victories for Chaldea, with your guidance."

Just as his historical counterpart, Napoleon was bestowed with the crucial role of leading the Expeditionary Forces of Chaldea as its commander. He was made to embody the tactical brilliance and leadership skills required for such a position.

As Isaiah scanned the figures before him, a weight of expectation pressed down upon him. He couldn't help but feel the pressure of living up to the high standards they held of him. 'They certainly have a high opinion of me,' he thought to himself with a mental sigh, fully cognizant of the challenge that lay ahead.

Yet as he paid closer attention to the intricacies of their appearance, it dawned on him just how much the guild must have invested in the game. 'But now that I'm able to see the Servants up close, I realize just how much the guild has poured into this game,' he thought to himself, impressed by the level of investment and dedication put forth by his former guildmates.

And at last, the final Grand Servants had arrived, completing the assembly. The two remaining figures were Nero Claudius, the Grand Saber, and Morgan le Fay, the Grand Berserker.

"Praetor, I have arrived as summoned!" Nero exclaimed, her posture exuding confidence as she stood with her hands on her hips. "I am eager to behold the beauty that awaits us in this new world!"

Given the use of Roman architecture in the outer layer of Camelot, it made sense to have an iconic Roman figure, such as an Empress, to oversee and manage that part of the city.

Nero had light blonde hair and bright green eyes. Her hair was styled in a bun at the back, with braids surrounding it, giving her a regal and elegant appearance. Her face was similar to that of Artoria, and despite being somewhat short she made it up with her curves.

She was a vision in scarlet, her form enveloped in a regal, formal gown of deep red. The full skirt cascaded down her legs, while the bodice, white and alluring, exposed a hint of her creamy skin. The front of the skirt was crafted of a delicate, sheer fabric that lent a touch of elegance to the ensemble. The shoulder pads, grand and oversized, provided a striking contrast to the streamlined sleeves that hugged her arm's contours.

Beside Nero stood Morgan, a young woman of striking beauty. Her long blonde tresses were artfully arranged in an elegant updo, further embellished by a glittering crown and a delicate veil that obscured her features, lending an air of mystery to her allure.

She wore a striking black dress that hugged her figure in all the right places, exposing just a hint of her navel and abdomen. The dress was tailored to fit her perfectly, accentuating her beauty and giving her a confident and powerful stance as she made her way forward.

"I am the Fairy Princess Morgan, and I am at your disposal, Master Ritsuka. Take me to the battlefield of your choosing, and I promise to bring destruction beyond your wildest dreams. For you see, domination is the only language I know, and I am eager to speak it on your behalf." Morgan declared with conviction.

As the Grand Berserker, Morgan's formidable power was a reflection of her creator's love for the thrill of battle and their penchant for causing chaos. Truly, her creation revolved around the idea of making the perfect weapon.

"After all, how could I refuse my husband," Morgan added with a flirtatious look.

The male Servants paid little attention to Morgan's last comment, but one could tell by the look on Artoria's face that she was clearly irritated. On the other hand, Gilgamesh and Nero seemed to be on the brink of laughter, particularly at the thought that someone else could outdo them in winning their Master's affection.

'Am I going to regret not altering their programming,' Isaiah thought to himself as he realized that the only thing he had changed in his former comrades' NPCs was their allegiance to him. Deciding not to dwell on it, he simply responded to her comment, "Thank you, Morgan. It comforts me to know that I can count on you when needed."

As if on cue, both Sherlock and Hundred Faces arrived beside Isaiah, the former standing tall and the latter kneeling. "Grand Servants of Chaldea, all of you are aware of our current predicament," Isaiah began.

He looked around at his gathered servants, all meant to be powerful and accomplished figures from different eras and cultures. He knew that he could rely on their strength and abilities to help him with his situation.

"We are facing a great mystery, but I know that with all of you by my side, we can overcome anything that comes our way. I have faith in each and every one of you, and I know that together we can achieve much."

The Grand Servants looked at their Master with determination and resolve. They knew that he was counting on them, and they were ready to do whatever it takes to protect him and help him succeed.

To elevate the winner of the Holy Grail War, the sole ruler of Chaldea, and the one who, in their eyes, will bring about a golden age.

"Now, let us discuss our plan of action and prepare for what is to come," Isaiah said, and the meeting began in earnest.